What are some great storage tricks?

I have sweaters and other seasonal clothing items as well as towels and such that I brought home from school for the summer. My room is about the size of an average single dorm room (read: very small) and I have no idea how to store everything in a tasteful manner.

When I was living in a room like that (about 8 x 10 feet), I got a twin size loft bed (it's basically a bunk bed without the lower bunk) and put a small desk (about 42" long x 24" deep) and table (about 36" long and 24" deep) under there to make a little office/study space. The two form an L-shape work surface. On top of the desk is a shallow hutch that has shelves for books and desk stuff - phone, calendar, reference books. The computer CPU is under the table and the keyboard is suspended under the table on a pull out drawer. The flat screen display is on top and the printer is on the other end of the table at the end of the desk. You could put shelves there to gain even more space and put the printer on a shelf. If you've got a laptop, you'll have plenty of space!
I also put a set of shallow, low shelves under the table and the desk for miscellany. You could use this space for storage boxes if you wish.
That freed up a lot of floor space. IKEA has several models of loft beds and small desks and tables and all kinds of shelf units at great prices.
I also carefully pared down my wardrobe so that it would take up no more than half the length of my closet or about 3 feet total. That allowed me to put a small 4-drawer dresser inside at on end of my closet which runs about 6 feet along the short wall at one end of the room.
I put seasonal clothes and linens into storage boxes, the kind you use for filing papers. They're cheap and are standardized sizes that will handle almost anything. These I stashed on the top shelves of the closet. Out of sight, out of mind - and out of the way! Get them at Costco or Office Depot.
The other long wall, opposite the bed/study cubby hole, I lined with shallow, adjustable shelves (IKEA again). The entrance door is at the closet end of this wall, so the available wall space is about 7 feet. I put my books, toys, pictures and sound system on them. The shelves stand about 6 feet tall and fill about 5 feet of the wall. That takes care of just about everything else.
I have one comfy chair (actually a small platform rocker) next to the window, which is on the short wall across from the closet, and a rolling desk chair under the bed.
Pictures hang in spaces in the bookshelves and on the wall under the bed. There's even a full length mirror on the outer closet door.
That's it! Everything fits and it seems cozy but not crowded at all.

Compare ____________________________________________________________

Dorm Storage Wardrobe - Black $47.99 Dorm Storage Wardrobe - Black

Black Dorm Space Saver by InterMetro® $129.99 Maximize your dorm space with this Black Dorm Space Saver by InterMetro®. Made of a strong and durable steel body, this shelving shelving unit will organize and store items in your dorm without taking up too much space. The unique shelving design mounts over your bed like a headboard, maximizing your storage space. The 74" x 48" unit has a black epoxy finish and coordinates with most decor. This strong steel shelving unit has two shelves and is great for storing and holding a reading lamp, stereo, books and other school essentials.Features:• Constructed of strong, durable steel • Mounts over bead, maximizing storage space• Ideal for dorms and bedrooms• Great for books, stereos, reading lamps and more• Color: BlackSize: 74"tall x 48"wide x 18"DPlease Note: This item cannot be returned without a Return Authorization Number, please Contact Customer Service. The manufacturer replaces missing, defective or damaged parts; returns are subject to a 30% restocking fee.

Dorm $12.99 Dorm

5 Piece Dorm Storage Set $19.99 Everything your student needs for back to school in one package! This 5 Piece Dorm kit contains a 10-Shelf shoe organizer, 6-Shelf sweater/accessory organizer, and extra drawer, bedside caddy, and laundry bag.Features:• Made of Polypropylene• Includes 5 pieces• Perfect for dorm rooms• Color: Black

Great Ideas $22.79 Great Ideas

Ideas for Storage $7.92 With 100+ Tips.Ideas: Ideas for Storage, readers will be able to clear out the clutter and reveal a new side to their living spaces.

What should I pack for college?

What are the basics I need to bring? For clothes, toiletries, organization, storage, kitchen, bath, etc? (I live two hours away from home)

The simplest answer is: less than you think. You will NEVER wear all the clothes you think you might need. A small fridge is a very worthwhile investment so you have options outside of campus dining.

I also always stock up on toiletries (deodorant, toothpaste, etc) BEFORE I leave so that my parents will pay for it. Little living costs like that in college add up and drain your spending money.

Dorm Storage/Organization for Makeup and Hair Products

	Honey-Can-Do BTS-01584 Closet/Dorm Organization Kit, White List Price: $64.99 Sale Price: $30.00 Average Rating:
	The Honey-Can-Do Dorm Organization Kit helps make your first home away from home a tidy, organized space you'll enjoy living in. This eight-piece kit supplies everything you need to keep your clothes, shoes, laundry, jewelry, and accessories from taking over your room...

	Storage Solutions 0210SN6 Towel Rack and Laundry Hamper List Price: $19.95 Sale Price: $18.69 Average Rating:

	Sterilite 4 Drawer Storage Cart White List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $19.99

	Dorm Storage Kit - 5 Piece Set Sale Price: $18.95
	Everything your student needs for back to school in one package! This 5 Piece Dorm kit contains a 10-Shelf shoe organizer, 6-Shelf sweater/accessory organizer, and extra drawer, bedside caddy, and laundry bag.

	Assorted 21" x 28" Blue, Green or Orange Laundry Bags with Phrases: "DIRTY LAUNDRY," "SOILED," or "GRIMY" Sale Price: $3.95
	This listing is for one laundry bag from assorted colors of blue, green or orange. Various phrases of: "dirty laundry," "soiled", or "grimy." PLEASE NOTE: Items will be shipped as picked with no preference to color or phrase.

	Honey-Can-Do BTS-01584 Closet/Dorm Organization Kit, White List Price: $64.99 Sale Price: $30.00 Average Rating:
	The Honey-Can-Do Dorm Organization Kit helps make your first home away from home a tidy, organized space you'll enjoy living in. This eight-piece kit supplies everything you need to keep your clothes, shoes, laundry, jewelry, and accessories from taking over your room...

	Storage Solutions 0210SN6 Towel Rack and Laundry Hamper List Price: $19.95 Sale Price: $18.69 Average Rating:

	Honey-Can-Do BTS-01584 Closet/Dorm Organization Kit, White List Price: $64.99 Sale Price: $30.00 Average Rating:
	The Honey-Can-Do Dorm Organization Kit helps make your first home away from home a tidy, organized space you'll enjoy living in. This eight-piece kit supplies everything you need to keep your clothes, shoes, laundry, jewelry, and accessories from taking over your room...

	Fabric Storage Bin 2-pk. - Green (Small) List Price: $11.98 Sale Price: $11.98 Average Rating:

Compare ____________________________________________________________

Multi-functional Complete Storage Hall Tree with Mirror $280.99 Complete your home with this multifunctional storage and vanity stationFurniture features great convenience stylesCabinet features four-storage drawers and three-tier open storage displays

Desk with Matching Stool Study Set $172.99 Cute and practical, this espresso study set is ideal for any use, from offices to college dorm rooms. Lift the desktop to reveal ample storage for a laptop, organizer and accessories.

Compare ____________________________________________________________

Dorm Storage Wardrobe - Black $47.99 Dorm Storage Wardrobe - Black

Dorm $12.99 Dorm

5 Piece Dorm Storage Set $19.99 Everything your student needs for back to school in one package! This 5 Piece Dorm kit contains a 10-Shelf shoe organizer, 6-Shelf sweater/accessory organizer, and extra drawer, bedside caddy, and laundry bag.Features:• Made of Polypropylene• Includes 5 pieces• Perfect for dorm rooms• Color: Black

Dorm Decor $13.01 Gone are the days of packing a single duffel for fall. Now college students and their families spend thousands on decorations and furniture to deck out their living space. Dorm Decor shows these budding designers how customizing store-bought items can transform a drab dorm room into a plush home away from home. Stylish lampshades, oversize floor pillows, cool bedding, curtains, message boards, and more add style, organization, and comfort to otherwise cramped quarters. Tons of color photos, straightforward instructions, pattern pieces, and small-space floor plans make an eye-catching face-lift simple to pull off.

Kids/Dorm Room Organizer $18.49 Keep your child's room organized with this Kid's and Dorm Room Organizer. Made from durable, epoxy-coated steel wire, this high quality organizer has two storage baskets that provide space for toys, CD's, accessories and more. The unit mounts behind any door with the included over-the-door mounting brackets. No tools required for instalation on back door.

Mountainsmith Modular Hauler 2 System Travel Storage Charcoal - Trunk and Transport Organization $47.2 Mountainsmith-Organize your vehicle, the garage shelves, dorm room, closet or cabin in the mountains. The Modular Hauler Travel Storage System's color-coded cubes enable easy identification for kids, adults, bike gear, climbing gear, clean vs. dirty clothes, etc.

Compare ____________________________________________________________

8 pc Dorm Room Storage Rack Organization Kit 2 colors $49.99

8 pc Dorm Room Storage Rack Organization Kit 2 colors $49.99

What makes a good storage unit?

I am going to be storing the contents of my dorm room in a storage unit for eight months, is it better to have a unit on the first floor or another floor. Also what is a reasonable price. Thanks.

As far as price goes, that depends on what size unit you need. You could probably cram all your stuff into say a $60 unit. There's nothing wrong with having a unit higher up. They have big supply elevators and big carts to make it easy to get your stuff up there - and back down when you need it. In a way, I would prefer to have a unit above the first floor - if there were to be a bit of a flood due to high rain or something, those first floor units might be more likely to experience water damage.

Organizing: Dorm (Dorm Tour Pt.1)

	Underbed Storage Chest - Black List Price: $18.99 Sale Price: $15.99 Average Rating:
	Control dorm room clutter with this handy Underbed Storage Chest by Richards Homewares. Underbed organizer has plenty of interior room for clothing & shoes while the exterior features side pockets that will hold cell phones, ipods, calculator, & other smaller accessories...

	Sterilite 45-gal. Latchtote Wheeled Storage Unit Titanium Set of 4 List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $69.99

	Sterilite Wide 3 Drawer Clearview Storage Unit Set of 3 List Price: $42.99 Sale Price: $42.99

	Multipurpose Storage Cart - Black List Price: $49.99 Sale Price: $39.99
	The ultimate organizer for dorm rooms and home from Richards Homewares! This multipurpose storage cart Rolling Organizer is designed to meet the student's every need. It features a shelf system with 6 smaller pockets (for shoes and accessories) and 2 larger shelves, perfect for clothes and linens...

	Sterilite Wide 3 Drawer Clearview Storage Unit Set of 3 List Price: $42.99 Sale Price: $42.99

	Sterilite 45-gal. Latchtote Wheeled Storage Unit Titanium Set of 4 List Price: $69.99 Sale Price: $69.99

	Underbed Storage Chest - Black List Price: $18.99 Sale Price: $15.99 Average Rating:
	Control dorm room clutter with this handy Underbed Storage Chest by Richards Homewares. Underbed organizer has plenty of interior room for clothing & shoes while the exterior features side pockets that will hold cell phones, ipods, calculator, & other smaller accessories...

	Sterilite Wide 3 Drawer Clearview Storage Unit Set of 3 List Price: $42.99 Sale Price: $42.99

Compare ____________________________________________________________

Dorm Storage Wardrobe - Black $47.99 Dorm Storage Wardrobe - Black

Kids/Dorm Room Organizer $18.49 Keep your child's room organized with this Kid's and Dorm Room Organizer. Made from durable, epoxy-coated steel wire, this high quality organizer has two storage baskets that provide space for toys, CD's, accessories and more. The unit mounts behind any door with the included over-the-door mounting brackets. No tools required for instalation on back door.

Black Dorm Space Saver by InterMetro® $129.99 Maximize your dorm space with this Black Dorm Space Saver by InterMetro®. Made of a strong and durable steel body, this shelving shelving unit will organize and store items in your dorm without taking up too much space. The unique shelving design mounts over your bed like a headboard, maximizing your storage space. The 74" x 48" unit has a black epoxy finish and coordinates with most decor. This strong steel shelving unit has two shelves and is great for storing and holding a reading lamp, stereo, books and other school essentials.Features:• Constructed of strong, durable steel • Mounts over bead, maximizing storage space• Ideal for dorms and bedrooms• Great for books, stereos, reading lamps and more• Color: BlackSize: 74"tall x 48"wide x 18"DPlease Note: This item cannot be returned without a Return Authorization Number, please Contact Customer Service. The manufacturer replaces missing, defective or damaged parts; returns are subject to a 30% restocking fee.

Dorm $12.99 Dorm

5 Piece Dorm Storage Set $19.99 Everything your student needs for back to school in one package! This 5 Piece Dorm kit contains a 10-Shelf shoe organizer, 6-Shelf sweater/accessory organizer, and extra drawer, bedside caddy, and laundry bag.Features:• Made of Polypropylene• Includes 5 pieces• Perfect for dorm rooms• Color: Black

PixOs Storage Unit $5 PixOs Storage Unit

Compare ____________________________________________________________

Home Dorm House Corner Wall Storage Shelves Shelf Unit $39.99

New Home Dorm Shelving Storage Rack Units Steel Shelves $98.00